The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 14 views

Understanding the Difference Between a λύτρον (Lutron) and an ἀντίλυτρον (Antilutron)

The Greek language has a rich history and has been the foundation for many Christian texts, including the New Testament. In the Bible, there are several words that are often translated into English, but their meanings can be nuanced and complex. Two such words are λύτρον (lutron) and ἀντίλυτρον (antilutron), which are used in different contexts to convey distinct ideas. In this article, we will explore the meaning of these two words and examine their usage in Matthew 20:28 and 1 Timothy 2:6.

The Meaning of λύτρον (Lutron)

The word λύτρον (lutron) is derived from the Greek verb λυτρόω (lytrō), which means "to ransom" or "to redeem." In the context of Matthew 20:28, Jesus says that He did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. Here, the word λύτρον (lutron) refers to the price or payment that is given to release someone from bondage or slavery. In this case, Jesus' life is the ransom that is given to release many people from the bondage of sin.

The Meaning of ἀντίλυτρον (Antilutron)

The word ἀντίλυτρον (antilutron) is also derived from the Greek verb λυτρόω (lytrō), but it has a slightly different meaning. The prefix ἀντί- (anti-) means "against" or "in place of," and so ἀντίλυτρον (antilutron) can be translated as "a ransom in place of" or "a substitute ransom." In the context of 1 Timothy 2:6, Paul writes that Christ Jesus gave Himself as a ransom in place of many. Here, the word ἀντίλυτρον (antilutron) refers to the idea that Christ's death is a substitute for the death that we would have otherwise faced as a result of our sins.

Is an ἀντίλυτρον (Antilutron) Simply a Synonym for a λύτρον (Lutron)?

While both words are related to the concept of ransom or redemption, they are not simply synonyms. The key difference between the two words lies in their connotation and emphasis. The word λύτρον (lutron) emphasizes the idea of a price being paid to release someone from bondage, whereas the word ἀντίλυτρον (antilutron) emphasizes the idea of a substitute or replacement. In other words, a λύτρον (lutron) is a ransom that is given to release someone from bondage, whereas an ἀντίλυτρον (antilutron) is a ransom that is given in place of someone else's death.

The Significance of the Difference

The difference between the two words has significant implications for our understanding of the atonement and the nature of Christ's death. If we view Christ's death as a λύτρον (lutron), we may see it as a payment that is given to release us from bondage, but we may not fully appreciate the idea that Christ's death is a substitute for our own death. On the other hand, if we view Christ's death as an ἀντίλυτρον (antilutron), we may see it as a ransom that is given in place of our own death, and we may have a deeper appreciation for the idea that Christ's death is a substitute for our own.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the words λύτρον (lutron) and ἀντίλυτρον (antilutron) are two distinct words that are used in different contexts to convey different ideas. While both words are related to the concept of ransom or redemption, they have different connotations and emphases. The word λύτρον (lutron) emphasizes the idea of a price being paid to release someone from bondage, whereas the word ἀντίλυτρον (antilutron) emphasizes the idea of a substitute or replacement. By understanding the difference between these two words, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of Christ's death and the nature of the atonement.

Additional Resources

For further study, we recommend the following resources:

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature by Walter Bauer: This lexicon provides a comprehensive analysis of the Greek language and its usage in the New Testament.
The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology by Colin Brown: This dictionary provides a detailed analysis of the theological concepts and terminology used in the New Testament.
The Greek New Testament edited by Kurt Aland and Barbara Aland: This edition of the Greek New Testament provides a critical analysis of the text and its variants.

References

Matthew 20:28 (NASB95): "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
1 Timothy 2:6 (NASB95): "who gave Himself a ransom in place of many."
Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature by Walter Bauer: "λύτρον" and "ἀντίλυτρον" entries.
The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology by Colin Brown: "λύτρον" and "ἀντίλυτρον" entries.
The Greek New Testament edited by Kurt Aland and Barbara Aland: "Matthew 20:28" and "1 Timothy 2:6" entries.
Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding the Difference Between a λ��τρον (Lutron) and an ἀντίλυτρον (Antilutron)

In our previous article, we explored the meaning of the words λύτρον (lutron) and ἀντίλυτρον (antilutron) and examined their usage in Matthew 20:28 and 1 Timothy 2:6. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about these two words.

Q: What is the difference between a λύτρον (lutron) and an ἀντίλυτρον (antilutron)?

A: The main difference between the two words is their connotation and emphasis. A λύτρον (lutron) emphasizes the idea of a price being paid to release someone from bondage, whereas an ἀντίλυτρον (antilutron) emphasizes the idea of a substitute or replacement.

Q: Is an ἀντίλυτρον (antilutron) simply a synonym for a λύτρον (lutron)?

A: No, an ἀντίλυτρον (antilutron) is not simply a synonym for a λύτρον (lutron). While both words are related to the concept of ransom or redemption, they have different connotations and emphases.

Q: What does the word λύτρον (lutron) mean in Matthew 20:28?

A: In Matthew 20:28, the word λύτρον (lutron) refers to the price or payment that is given to release someone from bondage or slavery. In this case, Jesus' life is the ransom that is given to release many people from the bondage of sin.

Q: What does the word ἀντίλυτρον (antilutron) mean in 1 Timothy 2:6?

A: In 1 Timothy 2:6, the word ἀντίλυτρον (antilutron) refers to the idea that Christ's death is a substitute for the death that we would have otherwise faced as a result of our sins.

Q: Why is the distinction between λύτρον (lutron) and ἀντίλυτρον (antilutron) important?

A: The distinction between the two words is important because it highlights the unique nature of Christ's death as a substitute for our own death. By understanding the difference between these two words, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of Christ's death and the nature of the atonement.

Q: Can you provide examples of how the words λύτρον (lutron) and ἀντίλυτρον (antilutron) are used in other contexts?

A: Yes, here are some examples:

In the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible), the word λύτρον (lutron) is used to describe the price paid to redeem a slave (Exodus 21:30).
In the New Testament, the word ἀντίλυτρον (antilutron) is used to describe the price paid to redeem humanity from sin (1 Timothy 2:6).
In the context of the atonement, the word λύτρον (lutron) emphasizes the idea of a price being paid to release someone from bondage, whereas the word ἀντίλυτρον (antilutron) emphasizes the idea of a substitute or replacement.

Q: How can I learn more about the words λύτρον (lutron) and ἀντίλυτρον (antilutron)?

A: There are many resources available to help you learn more about these two words. Some recommended resources include:

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature by Walter Bauer
The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology by Colin Brown
The Greek New Testament edited by Kurt Aland and Barbara Aland

Conclusion

In conclusion, the words λύτρον (lutron) and ἀντίλυτρον (antilutron) are two distinct words that are used in different contexts to convey different ideas. By understanding the difference between these two words, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of Christ's death and the nature of the atonement. We hope that this article has been helpful in answering some of the most frequently asked questions about these two words.

Additional Resources

For further study, we recommend the following resources:

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature by Walter Bauer
The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology by Colin Brown
The Greek New Testament edited by Kurt Aland and Barbara Aland

References

Matthew 20:28 (NASB95): "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
1 Timothy 2:6 (NASB95): "who gave Himself a ransom in place of many."
Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature by Walter Bauer: "λύτρον" and "ἀντίλυτρον" entries.
The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology by Colin Brown: "λύτρον" and "ἀντίλυτρον" entries.
The Greek New Testament edited by Kurt Aland and Barbara Aland: "Matthew 20:28" and "1 Timothy 2:6" entries.